FBI
NATIONAL ACADEMY
What is the FBI National
Academy?
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S.
and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the
administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home
and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation
worldwide. It's mission is "to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and reseach, and forging partnerships throughout the world."
Who attends?
Leaders and managers of state and local police, sheriffs' departments,
military police organizations, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Participation is by invitation only, though a nomination process. Participants
are drawn from every state in the union, from U.S. territories, and
from over 150 foreign nations.
What is the course of
study?
For 10 classroom-hour weeks, four times a year, classes of some 250
officers take undergraduate and/or graduate college courses on the Quantico,
Virginia, campus in the following areas: Law, Behavioral Science, Forensic
Science, Leadership Development, Communication, and Health/Fitness.
Officers participate in a wide range of leadership and specialized training,
and they share ideas, techniques, and experiences with each other, creating
lifelong partnerships that span state and national lines.
How long has the National
Academy been in operation?
Since July 29, 1935, with 23 students in attendance. It was created
in response to a 1930 study by the Wickersham Commission that recommended
the standardization and professionalizing of the law enforcement departments
across the United States through centralized training. With strong support
from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and with the
authority of Congress and the Department of Justice, the "FBI Police
Training School" was born. Courses at that time included Scientific
Aids in Crime Detection, Preparation of Reports, Criminal Investigation
Techniques, and Administration and Organization. With the advent of
World War II, courses were added in Espionage and Sabotage.
Life after the National
Academy.
Following graduation, each officer has the opportunity to join the FBI
National Academy Associates, a dynamic organization of more than 15,000
law enforcement professionals who actively work to continue developing
higher levels of competency, cooperation, and integrity across the law
enforcement community.